Deborah of Tod's (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898. Excerpt: ... for a time, in his company. How delightedly she would have seized upon such an opportunity. How she would have charmed the men, and studied Lady Kingsfold, and aped Mrs. Sawyer, and made friends with little Maudie, and mimicked them all for his amusement upon her return home. There was no doubt that Deborah was not such good company as that little vain, dancing, laughing creature had been; but then, on the other hand, the Frenchwoman did not possess two thousand pounds a year, nor indeed, for the matter of that, two thousand pence, but had, on the contrary, cost the General pretty nearly that amount out of his own pocket. # A woman who is handsome in homespun is almost certain to be something more than handsome in fine clothes. The General's highest anticipations were exceeded by the appearance of Deborah that evening at Kingsfold. Her dress was composed principally of a very soft, rich, flame-coloured satin, which harmonized excellently with her Eastern colouring, although partially subdued by draperies of gauzy black. The healthy sunburn of her face and hands, though but faintly noticeable in the shaded light, yet served to accentuate the pure ivory tint of her neck and arms. She was a little late in arriving, which was favourable for her entry, if not for her shyness, and the first glance relieved Sir Arthur from his involuntary nervousness. She had never been ushered formally into the presence of a roomful of people in her life, but the placidity of her nature enabled her to face the ordeal without selfconsciousness. "Cleopatra " murmured Lord Halshurst, looking apparently in the opposite direction through his eyeglass. Lady Kingsfold, exquisite in white and silver robes, rustled softly forward to meet her. "It is too good of you to have undertake...